The Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 5

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Before E.C. Kattel, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 20 [1845]

Ann Augusta Burdick, continued testimony

Ann Augusta Burdick further examined:  When I returned from washing at the time I heard Johnson and my mother talking, the window curtains were drawn; did not hear how Mrs. Bolt was got rid of.  Johnson said he got a couple of men below Binghamton to get rid of her.  At the time Johnson was there the second time and I told him my mother had not returned, Johnson said first--"Oh, good Lord, what shall I do?"  He did not at that time say anything about anybody's helping him.  I did not see to notice any other of these bones to describe them except the skull.  I recollect the Saturday previous to my abduction; saw mother on that day; had a conversation with her on that day in relation to what I overheard between her and Johnson.  I saw mother on the following Monday; saw her at her house; my husband was with me there; he did not hear all the conversation that was had between us.

I did not see Johnson and my mother together either Saturday, Sunday or Monday.  I was at Hammond's on Monday evening.  I laid down in the fore part of the evening, my health was not very good, laid awake and did not go to sleep.  I heard someone open the door and come into the room and put their hands onto my head and took hold of my neck afterwards, and another one came up and took hold around me, they were taking me up and I raised up my hands and took their hands from my  neck, the hands were on my throat tight, so that I could not talk, after I loosened the hands, I hallooed, I think three times, when I hallooed the last itme, Mr. Hammond's folks started and they dropped me down, they left me in the bedroom door on the floor.  I was on the bed, I clenched the bed when they took me up and they pulled the bed off with me onto the floor.  I felt the arm which took hold of my neck, I thought it was a woman's dress sleeve upon it and felt like a woman's arm. There was an article of clothing found in the room after they came in with lights, Hammond's folks brought in lights.  This article found was a calico cape, it was my mother's cape, it was not there before they came in, I examined the cape, the ends of the cape were torn where it was pinned.

The next day, Tuesday, after dinner, I laid down in the room where I was the night before, the doors and window blinds were fastened.  I got to sleep a short time after I laid down; Mrs. Hammond came in a few minutes before I went to sleep; the first I knew after I went to sleep was, I was awakened by someone putting something in my mouth; I was there on the bed in the bedroom, I did not see the person, I was prevented by having something tied over my face, I do not know what it was, but they put something in my mouth, I could not speak of make any noise; next I was taken up off from the bed and carried out of the door; there were two persons, they were both men, they carried me out of the door from where I lived; after I got a short distance from the house, they laid me down, one of them held my head and the other put a vial to my mouth, tried ot make me take what was in the vial and I refused; I raised up my hands and struck the vial, after I had done that the other struck me twice on my forehead, struck with his fist.

I cannot say what became of the contents of the vial.  I thought I broke the vial when I struck it.  One of them used some very profane language. I swallowed some of the contents of the vial, not a great deal, it was a very bitter taste.  Next I was taken up and carried to the fence, after I got there they dragged me over the fence, after they got me over, one of them spoke to the other and told him to help carry me, and he told me he could not., when I was taken up and carried to another fence, after he dragged me through he took me by my arms and dragged me a spell on the ground, dragged me to another fence and dragged me over that, he dragged me down the hill into the swamp and laid me down and asked me if I knew them.  I told them I did not, unbound my eyes and asked me again if I knew them, I told them I did not, the gag was removed from my mouth.  I asked them to let me go home or write a line to Mr. Burdick, one of them took a paper from his pocket, and a pencil, he wrote on the paper and showed it to me.

I asked him to lay it upon a log there was close by me, told me he would not, but would lay it down in a place where something had stepped on the ground and did so, he covered it up, after he had done that, the other one took a knife out of his pocket and opened it, he came towards me with the knife, and I begged of him not to kill me, the other one stepped up betwixt us and told him not to kill me, he then laid his knife down on the ground beside of me, he took hold of me and rolled me into the water that was close by.  When they rolled me into the water I lay on my face, my hands were tied, my feet or legs were not tied, there was something in my mouth, it was put in before they rolled me into the water, my hands were tied in the house, after they had rolled me into the water, they went apiece from me and got a log and throwed on me.  One of them spoke and said he had done enough for five dollars, said he had not got pay for carrying Mrs. Bolt off yet.

The other one spoke and said he had.  The other one spoke and said he hoped mr. Johnson would go through the village as he said he would, so that folks would see him so that he would not be taken up.  Next they took another log and throwed across my head and neck.  I asked them what they had carried me off for, and they said because they was got to. They did not mention where they were from or any place. They said Mr. Johnson had got them to do it.  After they throwed the logs across my head and neck they spoke and said they must be in a hurry or they would be too late, they then started away from me.  After I thought them gone I turned over as well as I could, my face out of the water.  I could not get up or get out.  Next I tried to get the paper that they laid down and could not, next I fixed myself as well as I could out of the water, which is the last I can remember.

Vital Records, November/December 1845

Binghamton Courier, November 5, 1845

Married, in Conklin [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 30th, by Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Elkanan Pierce of Lisle [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Colier of Conklin.

Married, in Union [Broome Co., NY], October 29th, by S.M. Hunt Esq., Mr. Robert Hatfield to Miss Sarah Ann Stimpson, all of Union.

Binghamton Courier, November 12, 1845

On the 30th of October ult., a man who called his name Fuller, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor at the Poor House of this County [Broome Co., NY]. He was brought there the day previous by the poor master of the town of Windsor; and stated that he was from Butternuts, Otsego County.  He was respectably dressed with black coat and pantaloons, snuff colored vest, and fine wool hat something worn.  He was apparently 55 years of age, bald headed, and had a pair of silver mounted spectacles.  He was evidently insane.

Married, in this town [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Thursday the 6th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Calvin Shepherd of Union [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Bullock.

Married, in Conklin on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Dyer, Mr. Morgan L. Wood to Miss Sarah Norton, all of Conklin [Broome Co., NY].

Married, in Clinton, Dutchess county, on the 27th inst., by Daniel H. Schultz Esq., Mr. John F.B. Stoutenburg to Miss Maria [Conger], daughter of Benjamin Conger Esq., both of the former place.

Binghamton Courier, November 19, 1845

On Sunday morning last, the body of a female was discovered floating in the canal near McKinney's Store House, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] by one of the lock tenders, Mr. Thomas DeWitt; who procured assistance and removed it from the water.  It proved to be the body of Elizabeth J. Speed, a girl aged nineteen, late of Norwich, Chenango County.  An inquest was held before coroner Congdon, at which the following facts were elicited.  Elizabeth J. Speed came to Binghamton some five or six weeks previously, remained with some relatives who are among our respectable citizens, until a week or ten days since, when she engaged herself to do housework in the family of Mr. A.C. Angell.  She proved a good girl, but was very silent and sedate.  On Saturday evening she retired to the room where she slept with another young woman, who went to bed and finally to sleep, leaving Elizabeth looking over her trunk.  Nothing farther is positively known of her until she was found dead as related; but it appears sufficiently evident that after her companion was asleep, she changed her clothes, arraying herself with much care, put on her bonnet and shawl and left the house.  The next trace of her is on the west side of the canal, on the dock by Lewis' storehouse, where her bonnet and shawl were found carefully put together, and where she doubtless threw herself into the water; whence, buoyed by her clothes, she floated down the canal some forty or fifty rods to the spot where she was found.  Her dress was pinned to her stockings, she lay much upon the surface, and her clothing was unruffled and not entirely saturated with water.  Doctors Jackson and Burr made an examination of the body.  No marks were found upon it--it was evidently a case of suicide, and such was accordingly the verdict of the jury.

We have some additional particulars connected with this most melancholy occurrence, from a source we deem reliable, which may throw some light upon the motives which influenced this unfortunate girl to the terrible act of self destruction.  She was an illegitimate child.  Her mother is living in this vicinity; her reputed father is a person of some note in a neighboring county.  She was brought up in a respectable family in or near Smyrna; and so far as we can learn, has always borne a good character.  for some time she has been under engagements of marriage to a young man in Chenango county, who from time to time had adjourned over the period of their nuptials, until she became satisfied that he intended to forsake her.  This circumstance she imparted with much feeling to her sister a few days since; and this it probably was, which, casting a blight upon the future, in addition to the blight of the past, induced that morbid condition of mind which led her to loathe life and to cast it from her.  If in the weakness of human nature there can be found any seeming apology for him who makes himself a father without the sacred right of marriage; there can be none for him, who, having done so, leaves his helpless offspring to the compassion of the world, aside from the brutal and heartless depravity of his own heart; and it is to be hoped that this most solemn occurrence, will not be without its influence upon all the parties whose criminal conduct has conduced to bring it about--upon the parents who cast this poor girl off from the cradle, and upon the individual who obtained her affections, only to trample upon and crush them.  

Married, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by the Rev. T.M. Pearne, Mr. Samuel Shaw to Miss Catharine C. Quick, all of this place.

Binghamton Courier, December 3, 1845

On Monday morning last, a worthy citizen of this place [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] named Nathan Platt, was killed instantly, by the fall of a part of a frame which he and others were engaged in raising.  The frame belonged to Stephen Weed, and is designed to furnish additional accommodations for his extensive coopering establishment in the north part of the village.  The bents, several in number but of no great height, were raised, and the plates laid across them; and Mr. Platt had climbed to the top of one of the posts, for the purpose of aiding to secure the frame, when, in consequence of the stay laths having been thoughtlessly removed, it began to sway, and several of the bents fell.  The others upon the building escaped by jumping, with little injury.  Mr. Platt on the contrary, held on to the falling bent, and struck across two pieces of timber, while the post to which he was clinging, came down upon his breast.  He never stirred after striking the ground.  He was about thirty years old, and leaves a wife and child to mourn his untimely end.

Married, on Wednesday the 26th ult., by the Rev. J.B. McCroary, Dr. J. Brooks to Miss Lydia Jane [DuBois] daughter of A. DuBois Esq., both of Great Bend.

Married, in Chenango [Broome Co., NY], on Sunday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Charles Collins Jr., to Miss Lauretta M. Scofield.

Married, in this town [Binghamton, Broome Co., nY], Dec. 1st, by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Luther Severance to Miss Jennett Wilson.

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Nov. 30th, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Daniel Wilcox Jr., of Conklin [Broome Co., NY], and Miss Catherine Severson of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Died, in New York, on the 10th ult., after a lingering illness, Rebecca [Cropsey], wife of Nathan Cropsey, in the 46th year of her age.

Died, on the 28th October last, at Paris, France, Mrs. Clara B. Catlin, the wife of George Catlin esq., the eminent traveler, so distinguished for his researches into Indian antiquities of America, and so universally known and respected in Europe and his native country, the United States of America.

Binghamton Courier, December 24, 1845

Married, in Honesdale Pa., on the 9th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Rowland, Mr. Horace A. Woodhouse to Miss Millicent Foster, all of that place.

Died, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, Major Sidney T. Robinson, in the 36th year of his age.  In the death of Mr. Robinson, community has lost one of its most valuable members; and in his family and large circle of relatives and friends, and the church to which he belonged, a vacancy has been made which cannot easily be filled.  His disease was consumption; and the hopes and fears and pains of an illness protracted to many months, he bore with the calmness and resignation of the Christian; and finally departed with all the glowing hopes of the Christian, without a shadow or a doubt to obscure the joyous vision of the future.  For many years he had been a consistent and useful member of the Baptist Chruch.  He leaves a wife and one daughter. Mr. R. was the second son of the Hon. Tracy Robinson, and for many years has been well known as an active business man and stage proprietor, during which he has formed extensive acquaintances among whom his many excellent qualities will be long remembered.

Died, at Berkshire, Tioga County, on the 11th instant, William Henry Moore Esqr. in the 61st year of his age.  Mr. Moore was highly esteemed for his intelligence and social virtues, and his family and friends have, in his death, sustained an irreparable loss.

Binghamton Courier, December 24, 1845

Died, in the city of New York on the 4th inst., Mercy Dolf, wife of Mr. John Dolf, formerly of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], aged 29 years.

Died, at East Bethany, Genesee County, N.Y. on the 15th Nov. last Mr. Seth Allen (father of Mr. T. Allen of this village) in the 85th year of his age.  Mr. A. was formerly from Richfield, Otsego County, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary Army.

Binghamton Courier, December 31, 18454

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on the 24th inst. by Rev. T.H. Pearne, Mr. Nathaniel A. Rowley of Chenango [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Maria M. Braman of Vestal [Broome Co., NY].

Married, on the 24th inst., at the same place by the same, Mr. Samuel Duncan to Miss A.E. Dougherty, both of Candor, Tioga Co.

Married, in Owego [Tioga Co., NY] on the 29th inst., by the Rev. J. Sheridan, Mr. Timothy Boyle to Miss Amelia Batchlor, both of New Milford, Pa.

Married, in Union [Broome Co.,, NY], on the 22d inst., by the Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Abel Curtis to Miss Amanda Persons, all of that town.

The Greene, NY Affair - 1845 - Part 4

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Before E.C. Kattel, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 18 [1845]

Testimony of Dr. William D. Purple

Dr. William D. Purple, being sworn, testified that he resides in Greene, Chenango Co., is a physician, was the family physician for James Bolt, had known Mrs. Bolt 8 or 9 years, she was a woman of fair health up to the month of May, 1844.  Was called to attend her as a physician on the 7th of May, 1844, at Triangle, in Broome Co., a few weeks after they moved from Greene.  Mr. Bolt came for witness, he went there.  I found her weak and irritable, appearing in a high state of mental excitement, the physical causes for which excitement were not apparent.  She said it was more a disease of the mind than of the body.  Inquired of her closely the mental and physical causes of her disease which she assigned to me with difficulty, had no doubt but that the primary cause of her ill health was mental and the physical state was the result of it.  Saw John Johnson and Bolt talking together in Greene, the Saturday before Mrs. Bolt was missing, talking together alone.

Testimony of Louisa Bolt

Louisa Bolt, being sworn, testified that she was the daughter of James Bolt, past seventeen years of age, lived at home when her father moved to Triangle, went over with Niram Johnson.  There was nobody there when I got to Triangle except my mother and the little child.  There are two rooms to the house besides the buttery, that the children occupied one room, and the father and mother the other room.  Johnson was over there twice before the disappearance of Mrs. Bolt.  Recollects the night of her mother's disappearance was Sunday night, was awakened by the slamming of the door, got right up, my mother was then gone, my father had not got out doors when I got up, we went around out doors, had no time piece in the house.  My mother had two pair of shoes, both pair were there after she had gone, no other clothing was missing except what she had on. she also testified as to the searches and to her mother's health, and of Dr. Purple's coming there.  When Johnson came over to Triangel the last time he was there which was before her mother's derangement, he came to the door, and asked where father was, and mother told him he was somewhere around there.  He asked her if she had told Bolt anything.  She said she had not, but that she should.  He said if she did he would surely destroy her--nothing else was said.  The night my mother disappeared, a barrel about half ful of milk was rolled in and set against the door to fasten it, saw my mother come into the room where we were.

Cross Examination:  Said she testified at Greene that there was two nails driven over the doorlatch to fasten the door, but that upon reflection since then, knows that she is mistaken.

Testimony of Ann Augusta Burdick

Ann Augusta Burdick, sworn says, I reside in Greene.  I have lived there between six and seven months since we moved there the last time.  I am 19 years of age.  I have been married nearly three months, I resided at that time at my mother's in Greene.  My mother's name is Elizabeth Baxter.  I resided not a great ways from Mr. Hannond's, resided on the same farm.  There are two rooms in the house where I lived when I was married.  I usually did my washing about half a mile from the house at the spring.  I recollect of returning from washing and of finding the doors fastened, there are two outside doors to the house, they were both fastneed.  I heard some persons talking wihtin, those persons were John Johnson and my mother.  I stood on the door steps when I heard them talking, they were in the kitchen.  I heard Mr. Johnson ask Mrs. Baxter if she would have him if he could get rid of Mrs. Johnson.  I believe she said she would, she asked him how he could get rid of Mrs. Johnson, and he said in the same way he did of Mrs. Bolt, he said he guessed he could get a couple of men below Binghamton who would dispose of her.

I did not stay longer to hear what they had to say.  I then went to the other door, that door was fastened, I raised up the window and unfastened it, I went through into the entry, there was a door between them and where I was.  I did not hear any more conversation there.  I walked through the entry, making some noise, and opened the door into their room.  I saw Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Baxter there, they were on the same bed together when I went in.  He got up and took hold of me and asked me if I heard what they had to say.  I told him I did.  After I told him, I started to go to the door to go out, he came up, took hold of me and brought me back into the house again.  She stepped (my mother) up against the door and held it and Johnson held me and asked me if I calculated to tell of it, and I said I did.  He told me if I did tell of it he would be the means of my death.  He asked me again if I would tell.  I told him I would not.  Nothing further then took place.

After this time I saw Mr. Johnson again at our house, it was in the absence of my mother.  She was at Norwich, she had been there between three and four weeks.  It was about 11 o'clock in the day when Mr. Johnson came, there was no one with me.  He asked me if my mother had got home, and I told him she had not.  I asked him what he wanted of her.  I asked him if he wanted some sewing done, he said no, that it was something of more importance than that.  He looked out of the window and saw Mr. Burdick coming and told me  to go into the other room, and if I told Mr. Burdick what he said, he would kill us both before he left the house.  I went into the other room, as he told me to.  Mr. Burdick came in and stayed a few minutes.  After he went out to his work, Mr. Johnson came into the room where I was, he took hold of me and led me into the other part of the house, he took the clothes line and tied my hands behind me, he tied my bonnet over my face and eyes, he next tied me to the bedstead.

He went outdoors, was gone a few minutes, and then came back.  He took the bonnet off from my face and untied my hands.  I went to the fire, there was a bag laying before the fire on the hearth, he untied the bag and took out some bones which were in it, he told me to put them on the fire.  I told him I could not, and I fainted away.  I saw them and noticed them before I fainted away, there was a head part and a few other bones.  the next I saw, they were on the fire burning; a short time after he took them off from the fire and laid them on the hearth; he gave me an axe, and had one in his own hands, he told me to pound the bones, and I told him I could not, he held his axe over my head and told me again to pound them, I told him I could not, and fainted away again.  He put water in my face and brought me to; he took his axe and pounded the bones, he pounded them, scraped them up and put them on the fire again.

He then told me to get down on my knees before the fire, and I did so.  He held his axe near my head, and asked me if I calculated to tell of it.  I told him I should.  He raised his axe up and made motions towards my head.  I begged of him not to kill me, he told me he would if I told of it.  He asked me several times if I calculated to tell of it, and I told him I did not, he told me if I did he would kill me and serve me the same way he had Mrs. Bolt.  He untied me and I got up.  I thought it was a human head.  Mr. Johnson said they were Mrs. Bolt's bones.  I do not recollect anything further as to what he said he would do to me if I told, he said he would kill me and serve me in the same way he did Mrs. Bolt's bones.  He said if I told of it and he was taken up, he would have friends who would destroy me, he did not, that I remember, say that he was afraid I would tell of it.

When he untied my face and hands, he tied the rope around me, the other end was tied to the bedstead, the rope would let me go from the bedstead to the fireplace.  This second occurrence took place nearly three or four weeks after I was married.  After he untied me, he went out of the door.  I did not notice where he went.  My sister Sarah had gone to the neighbors above, this was in the same house in which I saw Mr. Johnson and my mother, we had expected my mother back before this time, she returned the same week.  I went to live at Mr. Hammond's before my mother came back, I saw my mother on the Saturday before Monday  the 29th of Sept., saw  her at home, I went there on that day.  I saw her on Monday again, she came back from Norwich in the same week, the Saturday of which I saw her.

To be continued

Obituaries (June 6)

Thornton M. Little

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 4, 1903

Thornton M. Little, brother of B.F. Little of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in Brooklyn on Wednesday last.  Deceased had many friends in Norwich, and was a frequent visitor here on his summer outings.  Up to within a few years, or until his health failed him, he was in the employ of McKeeson & Robbins of New York.  He leaves a widow and one brother.

Cyrenus Chamberlain

Died January 30, 1903, Rockwell's Mills, NY

Cyrenus Chamberlain of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co., NY], after a long struggle with the "last enemy," has gone to the land where sickness and death are not known.  Like his pious father, Calvin Chamberlain, he leaves a memory fragrant with good deeds.  Union church will miss him.  Only one of the large Calvin Chamberlain family is left, Caldwell Chamberlain of Mt. Upton.  A wife and two children, Calvin Chamberlain of Rockwell's Mills, and Mrs. Frederick Winsor of Mt. Upton, mourn his loss.  Funeral services were held from his late residence on Sunday and the remains were interred in the Mt. Upton cemetery.  Mr. Chamberlain had many marked peculiarities.  His farm buildings were constructed in a most peculiar manner.  On one of the barns he built a tall cupola, in which he placed chairs for viewing the broad Unadilla valley  On a high hill on his farm he erected a small structure which was surrounded by a fence.  Facing the road, and where they could be seen for miles around, he put up two wooden images in the act of boxing.  During political campaigns he fitted up a large wagon bearing the pictures of the Republican candidates, and decorated with flags, and hiring a fifer and two drummers at his own expense, drove from town to town with this curious outfit.

Calvin Chamberlain

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 30, 1877

Mr. Calvin Chamberlain, one of the oldest citizens of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], died May 25th, 1877, aged 85 years.  Mr. Chamberlain has been a life-long subscriber of the Telegraph, and his long and busy life has been identified with the history of our valley.  More than half a century ago he united with Union M.E. Church, near which was his home.  He died as he had lived, -- well.  Death was a vanquished foe.  His large family circle of children and grandchildren will cherish the memory of a loving and faithful Christian father.

Perronet Vincent Chamberlain

Chenango Union, December 20, 1906

The issue of The Bulletin of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Oakland, Cal., for Dec. 9, 1906, contains the following which will be of interest to the older citizens of this place.

"Our whole church is in mourning for the loss of our beloved brother, everybody's friend, Perronet Vincent Chamberlain, who was the faithful sexton of this church for more than twenty years and who was a consistent Christian for more than three score years.  Brother Chamberlain passed away in great peace last Monday morning.  the funeral services at the church were attended by a large congregation and the deep grief of all was a touching tribute to the memory and worth of this good man.  Sister Chamberlain, who survives him is in frail health, and we are all praying that she may be tenderly cared for and sustained by Him, who proclaims himself the judge of the widow and the Father of the fatherless.  May we all meet at the pearly gates the brother beloved, who was wont to greet us all at the doors of God's earthly temple with a hand clasp and a smile which was a benediction."

Practically all of Mr. Chamberlain's boyhood and early manhood was spent in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  He was educated at the Brockport collegiate institute.  For some years he conducted a photograph gallery over where Mrs. Morse's millinery store now is.  In the 80's he moved with his family to Manhattan, Kansas, and was prospering until the grasshopper plague drove them out, since which they have resided in California.  Pneumonia was the cause of death.  Mrs. chamberlain was formerly Miss Mary Parker, daughter of Nathan Parker of Norwich. Three children were born to them.  One son only survives, Vincent G. Chamberlain, of Oakland, Cal.

Frank Chamberlin

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, August 4, 1938

Frank Chamberlin, aged 77 years, died monday, July 25, 1938, at his home in Wellsville, n.Y.  Mr. Chamberlin lived in Afton [Chenango Co., nY] in his younger days and was well known to many Afton friends.  He was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Alice Chamberlin.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 25, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Catharine [Redmond], wife of Walter J. Redmond, aged 28 years.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Miss Martha C. Cornell, aged 18 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Abigail Jackson, aged 82 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. J. Drake, aged 83 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mary S. Seeley, wife of Wm. R. Seeley, aged 88 years.

Chenango American, September 25, 1862

In Esperance, Schoharie Co., on the 15th inst., Mr. George Wooster, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 66 years.

In the State  Hospital, New Haven, Conn., on the 20th ult., of wounds received in the battle at Fair Oaks, Va., Mr. George E. Church a private of Co. E, 61st Regiment, N.Y.S.V., the eldest son of Ezra P. and Laurilla Church, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

In North Norwich, on the 14th inst., of chronic diarrhea, Mary Alida [Lyon], only daughter of Darius E. and Mary A. Lyon, aged 1 year.

The Greene NY Affair - 1845 - Part 3

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Befroe E.c. Kattle, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 20 [1845]

Cross Examination of James Bolt

I had worked for Johnson 7 or 8 years, during that time I lived with Mrs. Bolt, lived upon Johnson's lands and in his houses.  Johnson was intimately acquainted with my wife; he was frequently at my house, our relations were friendly and intimate as far as I know.  I had no difficulty with my wife, lived as happily together as men in general so, not any difficulty between me and my wife except that she wanted to go back to Delaware Co. where we moved from, she did not make me any trouble on that account.  Before I moved to Triangle I lived in house of Johnson's about 3/4 of a mile from Johnson's.  The teams started about the time I did.  I think we moved to Triangle the 6th or 7th of April, Johnson soon after commenced building a barn there.  I did not discover my wife being deranged till the Thursday before Rose came over there which was Friday, the first I discovered her derangement was the 11th of May, I think Thursday near the middle of the night, we had no time piece.  I went either the fore part of that week or the week before to see R.B. Monell, I can't tell what day it was, there was no difficulty between me and my wife after we got to Triangle.

I made the searches abroad for my wife after I had moved back to Greene; think I moved back Monday the 20th of May, after I discovered my wife's derangement she kept growing worse; she never made any attempt to go off before the Sunday spoken of.  I was about the house all that day watching her mainly.  I think she would have got away if I had not stopped her; I did not have to use much strength; she was weak, struggled some, she had two pair shoes, she wore a pair of calf skin shoes thro' the day, she had on the prunella shoes at night when I brought her back, kept up a fire all night, she did not go to sleep when I put her on the bed after I brought her back, at any rate not before I got into a drowse.  I laid awake an hour, perhaps more.  I did not wake after I went to sleep till I heard the door slam.  I saw my wife the last item I ever saw her, sitting by the fire smoking, this was after I put her on the bed the last time.  I cannot tell where she is now, this was the last time I ever saw her, I do not know whether she is living or dead. The south wind was blowing pretty herd.  I heard a noise of the wind blowing the trees when I went out to look for my wife that night.

When my wife was sitting by the fire the last time, she had neither pair of the shoes on, this was an hour or two after I pulled her back by the hand.  I never plowed or dragged any on that place after the Thursday or Friday before this,.  I went over to Greene on Monday afternoon after my wife was missing, went over on foot, it is 12 miles from there to Greene the way I went.  I started after noon, no one went with me, I got back home the same afternoon after dark a spell.  the Otselic river is a rapid stream when it is high, it had rained the day before my wife was missing and the river was very high. My brother and myself searched the river after it got low.  I think my wife went into the room where the children lay twice in the course of the night, I think the children were not asleep the last time she went in, did not hear any talk between her and the children.

James Bolt further testified that he was at Greene again during the week, that his wife was missing, that he tried to get Johnson to give up his lease, and that he rode form Greene over to his house in Triangle with Johnson when he returned, but could not recollect what day this was, that it was not on the Monday after his wife was missing.

To be continued

The Greene NY Affair - 1845 - Part 2

The Greene Affair

In Justices' Court, Before E.C. Kattel, Esq.

Binghamton Courier, December 17, 1845

The People vs. John Johnson, Examination of Witnesses, Nov. 18 [1845]

Testimony of James Bolt

James Bolt, sworn says:  I am forty-one years of age, reside in Greene, Chenango Co., I have resided in Triangle, Broome Co., moved there the fore part of April, 1844.  Moved there from Greene where I now live.  When I went to Triangle, I had a wife and six children, the oldest, a girl, was about 14 or 15 years of age.  Harvey Hammond, Frederick Burghet and Niram Johnson carried the goods, all the children, but two, one of them, a boy, went with me on foot to drive the cattle, &c, the other, an infant about 20 months old, went with its mother.  I moved on to a place belonging to John Johnson in Triangle, my wife and youngest child rode over with John Johnson, he asked her to ride over with him as there was no convenient place for her to ride on the wagons.  I had worked for John Johnson 7 or 8 years before this; the farm in Triangle is about 14 miles from Greene.  When I got to Triangle, the goods were unloaded and the teams gone.  I met two or three going back.  When I got to Triangle I found no one there except my family.  I thought my wife upon my arrival looked rather down hearted.  She did not say anything much.  She complained of her arms being lame about that time; saw she could not use her arms as she used to, her appearance was different from what it used to be, she did not take hold of business as she used to and kept down and said but very little about anything, She did not rest as well as usual nights, and this increased.

About the fore part of May I called a physician, Dr. Purple of Greene; my wife soon after this made a communication to me, after this communication from my wife, I saw John Johnson at his house in Greene, on the 11th day of May 1844; a man by the name of James Rose came to me and said "Johnson wanted I should come over there and see him," When I went over to Greene to see Johnson, when I met him he said how do you do?  and directly said he wanted me to go out with him, and we went north of the road from Johnson's house, maybe a mile or three-quarters of a mile up to the place I used to live on; we got some 30 or 40 rods, and Johnson asked me "what was the fuss over home?"  I went on and told him what my wife had told me.  I went on and told him that she told me, that after they got over to Triangle, he got out of the wagon and took her child out and she got out and went into the house and sat down on a dye tub she found there sitting in the corner; he went and hitched his  horse or fed him, and then came into the house, and then went out and around the house and brought his buffalo skin out of the wagon into the house, and threw it down onto the floor; then he shut the door and locked it, then he clinched her (with the child in her arms) and threw her down on the buffalo skin, and got the buffalo skin in her mouth, and committed a rape on her, and then told her if she ever told of it he would be the death of her, and made her promise to use him well, as she had used him, or he would be the death of her; he then said to her that I had worked for him a good while, and that he could make me believe anything, and could settle it with me, and that I would clear out and leave her, that if she swore against him he would be allowed his oath, and would be believed before she would.

Mr. Johnson first replied to me that he had done wrong, but that he did not stuff the buffalo in her mouth; he said that over a number of times; he then said he was willing to settle it with me, let it be lands, dollars or cents, just name it.  I told him I could not settle it; he then says if you go to law about it, I have got property and can blow it through to the furthest length, and you know you can't stand any chance.  I then left him and went home.  Johnson had been in my house three times after my removal to Triangle before I made this communication to him.  At this time my wife was deranged, she appeared to want to get away to the woods north of the house; it was Saturday I made this communication to Johnson.  The next day (Sunday) she tried to get away to the woods two or three times, I caught her and brought her back; she was deranged this day more than she had been; after I had done the chores, I tried to find the key to the door, but could not; when I went to go to bed, I rolled in a barrel half full of milk and placed it against the door, I tried to get my wife to eat, but could not, fixed some tansy tea and got her to drink some, and washed her head with some salt and vinegar and then went to bed.

I did not undress me, and my wife was not undressed, she kept begging me to let her go out; after we had been a bed sometime, she got up and went into the room where the children lay.  I got her back to bed again and got into drowse.  She got up again, and as she did so, waked me up.  She went out, and I got up and caught her by the hand and brought her back--shut the door, and put the barrel of milk against it again; then we set up by the fire about an hour, and laid down again--we were there a long time, and I dropped into a drowse--then the first that I heard, I took to be the pulling the door to.  I sprang out of bed and went to the door (which was open enough for a person to come in).  I went out, but could see nothing, nor hear no noise, it was very dark--went around the house to the well, and around the currant bushes, and around the house, and came back and found the children just out of the door; then went up towards the woods, the way she went the day before, and came back.  I staid there till morning, and started for the woods again.  I tried to see tracks, but could see none; went on the road through the woods; I could hear nothing of her.  After I came back I sent my children out to alarm the neighbors.  I searched about to discover tracks but could find none.

There were twenty or thirty men came and we went to searching the woods, searched till noon, and then gave it up till the next day because the woods were so large.  That afternoon I went over to Greene.  The next day there were some two or three hundred persons there to search, we searched the woods all through, searched all day, found nothing of her.  After that, during the week, the ponds about there and the river was searched, the farm in Triangle is about one mile from the Otselic river. The next week on Monday, after my wife's disappearance, I moved with my family to Greene; after this I heard of a crazy woman who was in the Broome co. Poor House, went to see her, it was not my wife; then I went to North Norwich to see a crazy woman, found her, she was not my wife; then I went to Montgomery county to see a crazy woman, found her, she was not Mrs. bolt.  When Mrs. Bolt went away she had on a dark colored calico dress, had her stockings on, but no shoes or bonnet on, no article of clothing was ever missed excepting what she had on.  It was a pretty dark night, the south wind blowed some, with the dress she had on I could not have seen her three rods off that night.  I consulted with Robert B. Monell about my difficulties.  About a week before my wife's disappearance, I went to Monell to prosecute Johnson; the court was to be held at Binghamton the Monday after the Sunday night she went off.

To be continued

Marriages (June 5)

Dennis - Briggs

Married September 22, 1935, Niagara Falls, NY

A very pretty home wedding was solemnized Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, at 3 o'clock at Niagara Falls, N.Y. [Niagara Co.], by the Rev. John E. Manning, of Springville, N.Y. when Miss Thelma A. Briggs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Briggs, of 549 Fourth street, became the bride of Mr. Robert J. Dennis, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dennis, of Barker, N.Y. [Broome Co.].  Before the double ring ceremony, which was performed in front of an arch banked with palms, ferns and gladiolas, Miss Frances Tschahold sang "I Love You Truly," and "Because," accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Harry E. Smith.  The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was gowned in white satin with deep lace yoke and lace inserts in tight fitting sleeves, and wore a trailing cap shaped veil trimmed with orange blossoms and seed pearls.  She carried an arm bouquet of bridal roses and babies' breath tied with white satin ribbon and had satin streamers.  Miss Geraldine Hastings Briggs her sister, maid of honor, wore an aquamarine blue transparent velvet dress cut on long lines, with hat and gloves to match and carried an arm bouquet of tea roses, cinnamon mums and babies' breath, with silver streamers.  Mr. William J. Dennis, Jr., was his brother's best man and the ushers were John G. Briggs, brother of the bride, Mervin Cook and William Foyleson. The bride's mother was charmingly gowned in plum colored transparent velvet with hat to match and imported pearls, with a corsage of tea roses and babies' breath.  The groom's mother wore a navy blue crepe with hat to match and a corsage of tea roses and babies' breath.  The bride's grandmother, Mrs. John M. Spohn, was gowned in wine colored transparent velvet with black accessories and corsage of roses. After the ceremony a reception was held at the bride's home for fifty.  Mr. and Mrs. Dennis left on a motor trip to New York city and Washington, D.C.  Mrs. Dennis' traveling suit was blue wool with fur trimmed collar with blue accessories. They will be home after Oct. 1, at 562 Eleventh street.  Mrs. Dennis is a graduate of the Niagara Falls High School and the Training School for nurses at Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital, Elmira, N.Y.  Mrs. Dennis was the recipient of many beautiful gifts, such as furniture, glassware, dishes, silver, lamps, money, etc.  Among the prenuptial affairs given for the bride was a kitchen shower by Miss Geraldine Briggs, a variety shower by Mrs. W.J. Dennis, Jr., of Wenmore, a variety shower by relatives in Cortland and Dryden, N.Y. and a parcel post shower by relatives in Berkeley, Cal.

Casey -Kirby

Married 1935, Washington, DC

On Easter Monday morning Miss Margaret Kirby and Francis  J. Casey were married in the Church of Epiphany, in Washington, D.C., where Miss Kirby has been spending the winter months.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Casey have for many years been residents of this village and find a great number of the townspeople included among their friends.  The wedding took place at 10:30 o'clock in the presence of Winsor Casey, son of Mr. Casey, and Miss Duane Crawford, a close friend of Mrs. Casey. The bride was dressed in a navy blue suit with matching accessories.  Mrs. Casey is a graduate of Bainbridge High School.  For several years she attended various art schools, following which she returned to Bainbridge, residing with her aunt, Miss Mary Kirby, in North Main street. She remained here in the employment of the Casein Manufacturing Company until after the death of her aunt. She then spent some time abroad studying art in France, Italy and Austria, returning home in 1934.  Mr. Casey is a graduate of Hamilton College and has been residing in Bainbridge for about fourteen years, where he has been principal of Bainbridge High School.  Under his enthusiastic support, the surrounding school districts have been centralized, and a new building with its more recent addition has been constructed.  Following the ceremony, the couple spent a few days in the south, returning to Bainbridge, the middle part of the week.

Marriage notices

Chenango Union, December 16, 1875

HAIGHT - SALSMAN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 18, by W.J. Judd, Mr. John A. Haight to Mrs. Eliza E. Salsman, all of Norwich.

BRONSON - FOOTE:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 8, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. LaFayette Bronson to Miss Lucinda A. Foote, all of North Brookfield, Madison Co.

COY - GATES:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 8, by Rev. A. Jones, Mr. Henry F. Coy to Miss Adelia H. Gates, all of Pharsalia.

KENNIER - CLINE:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] Nov. 30, 1875 by Rev. R.A Clark, Mr. Andrew J. Kinnier to Miss Matilda Cline, both of Smithville.

CRIPPEN - EPP:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], Dec. 2, by Rev. J. Mevis, Mr. J.M. Crippen to Miss Mary Epps both of Rockwell's Mills, Chenango County.

BLANDING - RHODES:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Dec. 8, by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Mr. Lucien Blanding of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Alice M. Rhodes, of Earlville.

Greene NY Mysteries - 1845 - Part 1

The Greene Mysteries

Binghamton Courier, November 26, 1845

The strange occurrences of which the village of Greene, Chenango County, has been the principal theatre, are, no doubt, fresh in the recollection of our  readers.  These are, first, the mysterious disappearance of a Mrs. Bolt, about a year and a half ago; secondly, the alleged seizure of Mrs. Burdick a few weeks since, in broad day, by two ruffians, who gagged, bound and bore her from her house a quarter or half a mile; threw her into a ditch, piled logs on her and left her for dead; and, thirdly, a similar, but less heinous outrage alleged to have been perpetrated soon after upon a Mrs. Vars. The efforts of the citizens of Greene to bring light out of the darkness in which these singular occurrences were enveloped, though persevering and protracted, were not very successful.  Mrs. Burdick, though rescued in season to preserve life, remained insane and was sent to the Asylum at Utica.  Her testimony, it was supposed, would prove important.  Accordingly on the recovery of her health and return to her friends, a few days since, her deposition was taken; and on application to Justice Kattel of this village, a warrant was granted, and the Sheriff of the County proceeded to Greene, and on Sunday evening the 15th inst., arrested Mr. John Johnson of that place, on the charge of having murdered Mrs. Bolt.  The venue, is, therefore, for the present, changed to Binghamton.  The investigation before justices Kattel and Seymour was commenced on Tuesday the 18th, and has now consumed seven days.  Mr. Johnson is an elderly gentleman 75 or 77 years old, of very considerable wealth and respectable family and connections.  His defense is committed to Daniel S. Dickinson, John A. Collier, and others.  the prosecution is conducted by the District Attorney, A. Birdsall Esqr., assisted by A. Cook of Chenango and others.  The case, from the magnitude of the charge, and the very extraordinary circumstances connected with it, excites universal interest.  As we write, the testimony on the side of the prosecution is not yet closed.  Altogether it would probably fill our entire paper; and so far, it must be remembered, presents but one side of the case.  For the satisfaction of the public, as well as to check idle rumor, we will state the material points in the testimony; which may be done, we think, without prejudice to any body.

Mr. Bolt's account of the disappearance of his wife is as follows:  In the spring or summer of 1844, he and his family removed from Greene onto a farm belonging to Mr. Johnson in the Town of Triangle, Broome County.  As the teams were about starting, Mr. Johnson came along with his buggy and took Mrs. Bolt and the youngest child in, and carried them to the farm; where, before the arrival of the others, he committed a rape on the person of Mrs. B. as she alleged.  Mr. Bolt threatened prosecution. Mr. Johnson in an interview with him, denied the rape, but acknowledged improper conduct with his wife, and offered him money or land to settle, which he refused.  Mrs. Bolt became low spirited and strange in her actions.  Her family were alarmed and watched her.  On the night of her disappearance, she made one or two efforts to get out of doors, which Mr. B., prevented.  At length he dozed, unconsciously--heard a noise--sprang from the bed--and saw his wife just closing the door after her.  He followed.  The night was dark, her dress was dark, he called and listened and searched, but all to no purpose, and from that moment, all knowledge of Mrs. Bolt is lost.  It lacked about two hours of daylight.  He searched the well.  In the morning the neighborhood turned out--hundreds joined the search; and subsequently, hearing of wandering or insane females in different directions, he visited the poor house of the county, and also of several of the adjoining Counties, but all with no success.

Mrs. Burdick is quite young, and fair looking.  Her husband is also very young.  We should not think him over 19 or 20.  Mrs. B.'s tale is stranger than fiction.  She testifies to having overheard Mr. Johnson enquire of her mother (widow Baxter) whether she would marry him if he could dispose of Mrs. Johnson.  Mrs. Baxter asked how that could be done.  Mr. J. replied, as he got rid of Mrs. Bolt, or to that effect.  This was before Mrs. Brudick's marriage which occurred this last summer.  Mr. Burdick was a tenant of Mr. Johnson. After they were keeping house, Mr. Johnson called one day, and sent her husband off on some pretense. Then he went out, but soon returned with a bag, the contents of which he emptied on the hearth and which proved to be human bones.  These bones Mr. J. declared to the be the bones of Mrs. Bolt, and shaking an axe over Mrs. B., he said if she ever exposed him, he would serve her as he had served Mrs. B.  He furthermore told her that she must assist him to burn them, that she might be as guilty as he was.  She fainted.  When she came to, the bones were burning on the fire, and Mr.  J. was breaking them with the axe on the hearth to aid in their decomposition.  The outrage on Mrs. Burdick was perpetrated soon after.  Mrs. B's account of which, does not vary materially from that already published.  Mrs. B. has been subject to fits and convulsions for years.  She has exhibited symptoms of insanity during the investigation; and still, many points of her testimony are corroborated by that of other witnesses, quite a number of whom have been examined.  Among them are a daughter of Mr. Bolt, Mrs. Hammond, sister to Mr. Burdick, Dr. Purple, and Mr. Burdick.  Mr. Johnson's defense is still to come.  Among the points on which his counsel will rely, no doubt, are the singularity, and almost incredibility of Mrs. Burdick's story, and her insanity and fits, as furnishing evidence of a hallucination.

To be Continued

Vital Records: Aug., Sept, & Oct. 1845

Joseph Hawley Dwight

Binghamton Courier, August 13, 1845

We are pained to record the sudden death of Joseph Hawley Dwight of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], one of our most esteemed fellow citizens.  On Monday while riding in company with his niece, Miss Catharine Clark, about six miles below the village, the horse he was driving took fright, and while running, threw him from the wagon.  He was found to be so much injured, that a boat was obtained to convey him home.  He survived the accident until 12 o'clock on Wednesday, being most of the time in a state in insensibility.  Mr. Dwight was formerly a resident of Berkshire county, Mass., and was at the time of his death 59 years of age.   Oxford Republican

Binghamton Courier, August 13, 1845

Died, at Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., after a protracted illness of five years, Edgar [Edgerton], son of Hial and Lydia Edgerton, aged fifteen years.

Binghamton Courier, August 20, 1845

Died, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], very suddenly, on Sunday last, William Wallace Peabody, aged about twenty years.

Binghamton Courier, September 10, 1845

Married, in Montrose Pa., on the morning of the 28th ult., by Eld. D. Dimock, Luther Badger, Esq., of Harpersville, Broome Co., N.Y., and Mrs. Betsey D. Avery, of the former place.

Died, In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Wednesday last, Mr. James Smead, aged 71 years.

Binghamton Courier, October 1, 1845

Married, in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Sept. 22d, by the Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Henry Mores of Albany and Miss Hannah Gretton, of this village.

Married, in Montrose, Pa., Sept. 24th, by the same, Mr. Gilbert S. Angell of Virgil [Cortland Co., NY], and Mrs. Elizabeth Fletcher of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].

Died, In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Wednesday the 24th Sept., Lucy Sophronia [Hotchkiss], daughter of G.W. Hotchkiss, Esq., aged one year and three days.

In life or death the innocent are blessed

Binghamton Courier, October 8, 1845

Married in West Troy [Rensselaer Co., NY] on the 23d Sept. by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Oliver Hamilton, Esq., of Troy City to Miss Sarah S. Bowman of the former place.

Married, in Union [Broome Co., NY] on the 30th ult., by Samuel M. Hunt Esq., Mr. William Miner to Miss Lucinda Wheeler, all of Union.

Died in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday the 7th inst., Edward James [Heit], son of James Heit, aged 10 months.

Binghamton Courier, October 29, 1845

Married in Owego [Tioga Co., NY] on Thursday eveing, the 23d inst., by the Rev. Mr. Peck, Mr. Elias W. Seymour, of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], to Miss Louisa L. Dodd, of the former place.

Married at Great Bend, Pa., on the 8th inst., by the Rev. J.B. McCreary, Mr. Thomas Hays, of Conklin [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Betsy Newman of the former place.

Marriages (June 3)

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Campbell

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1934

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Campbell, of South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary last Friday at their home.  Scores of relatives and friends visited them all during the afternoon and evening and it was a joyous occasion for all and especially the couple, who have rounded out half a century of married life together.  Refreshments were served by the Campbells' children.  In the Township of Cove, West Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell started their married life on May 4, 1884.  They have engaged in farming up until seven years ago when they retired and moved to Bainbridge. They came to this vicinity 37 years ago and purchased a farm in the Yaleville section, which they worked for more than thirty years.  Ten children were born to the couple, of whom seven are still living.  All seven are married and have children and live in Chenango county.  All their families were present at the anniversary celebration.  The sons and daughters and their families present were:

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gregory and sons, Raymond and LeRoy of Norwich

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Campbell and daughters, Elizabeth and Mildred of Oxford

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Fisher and son, Bryce, and daughter, Shirley, of Afton, 

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Ireland and daughter, Phyllis and sons, Ralph and Elton, of Union Valley

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Campbell and son, Donald, of Guilford

Mr. and Mrs. Dow Campbell and daughter Barbara of Bainbridge

Mr. and Mrs. Merton Hovey and son, Merton Jr. and daughter, Pearl of Guilford.

Andrews - Collins

Married August 22, 1934, Bainbridge, NY

Miss Lydia Collins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Collins, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Robert Andrews, son of George Andrews of Bainbridge were united in matrimony at St. Peter's Church at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning.  Many relatives and friends attended the wedding.  The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Bradford H. Tite, pastor of St. Peter's.  The church was beautifully decorated with golden glow and Queen Ann's Lace.  The bride came to the altar upon her father's arm and was attired in rust colored wool crepe dress and velvet hat to match.  The bride's maid of honor, Miss Catherine F. Brown, of Norwich, Conn., wore green wool crepe.  The bride's mother wore a flowered chiffon dress.  All three wore shoulder corsages of gladiolas, the bride having white glads, and the maid of honor and mother wearing yellow ones.  The groom was attended by his cousin, Stanton Kilpatrick of Buffalo.  Cameron Collins, brother of the bride ushered.  Several appropriate organ numbers were rendered by Miss Janet Juliand.  Following the ceremony at the church, a wedding breakfast for members of the immediate families was served at the Hotel DeCumber in Sidney.  Immediately after the breakfast, the newlyweds departed for their honeymoon which will be spent in Binghamton.  Mr. Andrews is employed as chief clerk of the Vulcan Corporation of Johnson City.  Mrs. Andrews is a kindergarten teacher in the Daniel Dickinson school in Binghamton.  She is a graduate of Bainbridge High school, Oneonta Normal school and holds a B.S.  degree from Columbia University.  Mr. Andrews is also a graduate of the local high school and Pratt Institute.

Bloor-Banner

Married March 2, 1935, Bainbridge, NY

A quiet house wedding occurred Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at the Banner home, outside the village, when Miss Verna L. Banner, daughter of  Mrs. Nellie L. Banner and Edward F. Bloor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bloor, of Gloversville [Fulton Co., NY], were united in marriage by the Rev. M. DeForest Lowen, pastor of the Baptist Church of this village. The bride was attired in dark brown flat crepe with brown accessories to match, and wore a corsage of Talisman roses.  The couple were attended by Miss Genevra Foster, of Bainbridge, cousin of the bride, and Mr. Clarence Frank, of Gloversville.  After a wedding dinner, the happy couple left amid a shower of confetti, rice and best wishes for their newly furnished home at 16 Maple avenue, Gloversville, N.Y.   Mrs. Bloor was a popular member of the younger set of Bainbridge, and she graduated from Bainbridge High School in the Class of 1933.  Mr. Bloor attended Sidney High School and Riley School of Business at Binghamton. At present, he is employed by the Superior Silk Company, of Gloversville.

Rogers - Hodge

Married February 28, 1935, Bainbridge, NY

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge announce the marriage of their daughter, Mildred Ethel [Hodge], to Llewellyn L. Rogers, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, Feb. 28,.  The wedding took place at 6:30 o'clock at the Presbyterian manse in Juliand street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], and the ceremony as performed by the Rev. G.H. Orvis.  The bride was dressed in a blue ensemble and carried a bouquet of sweet peas and Lilies of the valley.  A wedding dinner was served at the home of the bride's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hodge, following which the couple left for a short trip.  Mr. and Mrs. Rogers will be at home to their many friends March 8, at 58 River ?street, Sidney, N.Y. where Mr. Rogers is employed in the office of the Scintilla magneto plant.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, May 25, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 17th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Mor---ai Evans, to Miss Francisca Aldrich, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

At LaPorte, Ind., on the 9th inst., by Rev. G.C. Noyes, James B. Jenkins, Esq., of Oneida Castle, N.Y. to Miss Marrietta Lewis, daughter of Clarke Lewis of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, April 6, 1865

At Whitney's Point on the 9th ult., by Rev. A.V.H. Powell, Mr. Cortland Mix, of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Cooler, of the former place.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. James A. Hopkins to Miss Mary Jane Walker, all of Oxford.






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Obituaries (June 2)

Mellpomene (Pratt) Spohn

Died September 13, 1913, Bainbridge, NY

God's people are nearer the Gates of Gold and the Morning Land than they know.  It was last Sunday evening, Sept. 14, 1913, while the Church bells in your towers were calling the reverent and devout to holy worship and service, God just drew back the intervening curtains and sister Spohn heard the bells of Heaven calling her to worship and service in the Temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  Love could not keep her here, nor beat back the power of death, nor keep the tabernacle of clay from dissolving.  But she is in heaven for you who loved her, and you can go where she is, for she waits your coming. The deceased friend was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 3, 1874, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Pratt, well known and respected people.  In the year 1895, Feb. 28, she was united in holy wedlock with George Spohn and during the years has lived in the village and on the Spohn homestead north of the village.  One child was born of this union and has grown up to womanhood and is a bright and progressive student in our High School.  Mrs. Spohn was a woman of charming personality and rare Christian virtues. She was a member of the M.E. Chruch and through the years of her brief life exemplified in a forceful manner those sterling virtues, faith, hope and charity. She will be missed from the home where she was a loving, faithful and devoted wife and mother; missed from the Church in which she was devout and sincere and a frequent attendant; missed from the community where she was so kind, charitable and hospitable. The funeral services were held from the home Wednesday afternoon Sept. 17, at 1 o'clock, and were conducted by Rev Frank James.  A quartette, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Gilbert, Mrs. L. Andrews and Mrs. J. Russell rendered in a touching and effective manner two vocal selections, "No Night There, " and "Sometime We'll Understand."  The floral designs were many and most beautiful and their fragrance witnessed to the love and esteem in which the translated friend was held by her many friends. The deceased is survived by her husband, George Spohn, a daughter, Bernice Spohn, a sister, Mrs. A.L. Hodge, two brothers, Don and James Pratt. The interment was made in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge].  Mr. George Spohn and the family connections desire to express their deep and abiding gratitude for the sympathy and loving services rendered them during the hours and days of their grief and great sorrow.

Frank Albert Spohn

Died December 21, 1922, Bainbridge, NY

Frank Albert Spohn was born in the town of Guilford, Chenango Co., N.Y. June 19, 1859, died December 21, 1922, being 63 years old, his parents were Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Spohn who for many years occupied a farm on Guilford Street now owned by George J. Spohn.  To this union were [born] eight children, five of which are still living.  They are Joseph F., John M., Charles E., and George J., and one daughter, Mrs. George S Cook of this village.  Mr. Spohn was married August 28, 1884 to Miss Mary Hohrieter of this village, and later settled on the farm from which he died having spent most of his married life there.  Mr. Spohn contracted asthma when a boy three years old and suffered from that disease nearly all his life.  Mr. Spohn had been in failing health for some time when early in the fall, kidney trouble set in, from which he has been a great sufferer, when at last he contracted a severe cold from which he was unable to withstand, he passed away peaceful Thursday evening Dec. 21, at `10:40.  The funeral services were held from his late home Sunday, Dec. 24, at 12:30, Rev. M.V. Williams of the M.E. church officiating. The body was placed in the receiving vault in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge].

Arthur T. Kirby

Died September 15, 1938, Cooperstown, NY

Bainbridge friends heard with deep regret of the death of Arthur T. Kirby at the Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], at noon on Sept. 15, following a week's illness which developed into bronchial pneumonia.  Mr. Kirby was born Oct. 13, 1892, at Afton [Chenango Co.., NY], the son of Edward and Effie (Cable) Kirby.  He is survived in his immediate family by his wife, Mrs. Marjorie Kirby, and by one daughter, Miss Mary Kirby, a student at Syracuse University.  He is also survived by his sisters, Mrs. Margaret Casey, wife of Principal F. J. Casey, and by a cousin, R.W. Kirby, and an uncle, C.C. Kirby, of Bainbridge.  Mr. Kirby has been a resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for about 12 years where he owned and operated a contracting and trucking business.  Mr. Kirby was one of the survivors of the torpedoed English ship, Laconia, during the World War.  He and Floyd Gibbons were companions in a life boat which drifted for nine hours in the waters of the Irish coast before being picked up by another vessel.

Egbert Schermerhorn

Died January 2, 1930, Guilford, NY

Egbert Schermerhorn, 82, and for the past thirty years a resident in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], passed from the scenes of earth at the home of Miss Barbara Zeigler, Thursday, January 2, 1930.  Deceased was born in New York state November 21, 1847.  He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the 192nd New York infantry January 25, 1865, and was honorably discharged August 18, 1865.  The 192nd regiment was not organized but a short time before the surrender of Lee.  Mr. Schermerhorn with his regiment journeyed south, but saw no active service.  Norman G Axtell, who was called the "fighting Chaplain of the Thirtieth Regiment" was colonel of the 192nd.   The deceased was a former member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  His casket was most beautifully decorated with the American flag and a wreath of flowers.   His funeral services were held from the home of Frank Yale Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Cecil Plumb, veteran of the World War and Chaplain of the American Legion, Charles L. Caeobi post No. 183 officiating.  The funeral was held with military honors, the firing squad being present fired salutes and sounded taps at the grave.  Burial in Yaleville cemetery.  He was the last of the Schermerhorn family and probably has no near relatives living.

Death Notices

Chenango American, April 20, 1865

In Sacramento, Cal., on the 20th ult. of typhoid fever, Mary T. Dederer [Wood], wife of Dr. Charles S. Wood, Surgeon U.S.A., formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], in the 81st year of her age.

In Mt. Morris, Livingston Co., on the 9th inst., Prof. J.A. Thomas, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 88 years.  His remains were brought to this place for interment on Friday last.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Jeremiah Tuttle, aged 49 years.

In the hospital, at Elmira, on the 19th ult., Henry Thetga, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] formerly of Co. I, 114th N.Y.V., and lately of the 19th V.R.C.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Palmer Edmonds, aged 81 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., Mary Osgood, aged 53 years. 

Vital Records June/July 1845

Frances E. Pardee

Binghamton Courier, June 11, 1845

Died, at the residence of the Rev. S.W. Brace in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Saturday evening last, Miss Frances E. [Pardee], only child of Charles and Eliza Pardee of Skaneateles, Onondaga county, aged fifteen years and six months.

In this event, we record another of those msteriious dispensations, which Divine Providence sometimes sends, filling many hearts with anguish, many eyes with tears, and shrouding a whole community with gloom and sadness.  The deceased left her happy home on Tuesday the 27th of May, for a visit of a few weeks to her friends in this place.  She had been slightly indisposed at intervals for a few months past, but not so much so, as to cause any serious apprehensions for her safety, and when she left home she was all life and animation--her sparkling eye--her cheerful voice and looks of health filling the hearts of her parents with fond hopes and joyous anticipations of years of domestic happiness and love. Before her arrival at this place  however she complained of some slight degree of illness, and the morning after it was thought necessary by her anxious friends to call in medical advice.  No serious apprehensions were entertained as to the result until Thursday evening last, when, after spending a part of the afternoon in cheerful conversation with her friends, and even herself trying to hum a favorite air which she had requested might be sung to her, the insidious disease which was preying upon her appeared to effect the brain and soon after reason forsook its throne, and but once only from that time, did she give any signs of returning consciousness. Death had securely marked her for its own, and neither prayers nor tears, nor anxious friends, nor wealth nor skill, could save her from the grave. She lingered until Saturday evening about six o'clock and died.  To attempt to describe at this time, her loveliness, or speak of her worth, would only probe the wounds, we fain would heal. They are, and will ever be, embalmed in the fond affections of her numerous relatives and friends who

"Had only seen her but to love

To know her but to praise."

Her remains, accompanied by her deeply afflicted parents and a few friends, left this palce on Sunday morning for Skaneateles, for interment.

Binghamton Courier, June 11, 1845

Married on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Edward Carlisle to Miss Mercy Powers all of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY].

Binghamton Courier, June 18, 1845

Married in Conklin [Broome Co., NY], June 11, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Jacob V.A. Waldron and Miss Eliza Ann Lawrence, both of the above place.

Binghamton Courier, June 25, 1845

Married In St. Peter's Church, in Morristown, N. Jersey, on Wednesday evening June 11, by the Rev. William Staunton, John A.  Hull, Editor of the Jerseyman, to Miss Eliza Barckly Bache, daughter of Mr. Andrew Bache of Morrisville.

Binghamton Courier, July 2, 1845

Married In Windsor [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, Mr. Samuel R. Meredith of Carbondale Pa. to Miss Betsey R. Russell of the former place.

Binghamton Courier, July 23, 1845

Married, on Thursday morning, 17th inst., by the Rev. D. D. Gregory, Mr. E. O'Mera Goodrich, junior Editor of the Bradford (Towanda) Reporter, to Miss Susannah O'Hara of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY].

Died, At Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on Sunday evening the 13th ist., Mrs. Currance [Ward], wife of Calvin Ward, aged 37 years.

Binghamton Courier, July 30, 1845

Married in Plymouth, Chenango county, on Tuesday, the 15th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Lawton, Mr. C.H. Crosby, merchant, of this village [Binghamton, Broome co., NY], to Miss Ruth R. PerLee daughter of Walter PerLee, Esq. of the former place.

Marriages (May 31)

Fisher - Barr

Married September 13, 1917, Coventry, NY

A very delightful family gathering assembled on last Thursday afternoon, September 13, 1917, at the beautiful rural home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Irving Barr, in Coventry Township [Chenango Co., NY], to witness the marriage of their only daughter, Miss Ina L. Barr, of Coventry and Mr. G. Ray Fisher of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony took place at four o'clock in the afternoon of one of the most perfect of September's golden days, and was performed by Rev. John J. Francis, D.D., pastor of the Presbyterian church of Afton, the ring service being used. The lovely bride looked very charming in her wedding gown of metallic blue silk, and holding in her hand a bridal bouquet, while the handsome groom was evidently as happy as the joyful occasion gave him the undoubted right to be. After the ceremony and the congratulations the entire party sat down to an elegant and sumptuous wedding feast which was worthy of the occasion and greatly enjoyed.  The wedding was strictly a family affair, the party consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. Irving Barr, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Fisher and Miss Sadie Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse L. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Leon J. Barr and their little son, Graydon, and Mr. Ray Barr, and the bride and groom.  Mr. and Mrs. Fisher at once took possession of their tastefully furnished new home on Spring Street in Afton, to which they will be welcomed by the cordial congratulations and happy wishes of all their many friends.

Tingley - Humphrey

Married October 17, 1917, Afton, NY

On Wednesday afternoon, October 17, 1917, at 4:30 o'clock, at the home of Hobart A. Benedict occurred the marriage of his daughter, Gladys May Humphrey, and Mr. George M. Tingley, the ceremony being performed in the presence of the immediate relatives of the contracting parties, by Rev. C.O. Fuller, pastor of the Baptist Chruch, of which Mrs. Tingley is church clerk.  Mrs. Tingley is a well known and popular young lady, having spent all her life in Afton and being a clerk in the D.&H.  Depot, where her father has been the station agent for a number of years.  Mr. Tingley is the well known horse man and has been in Afton some years. After the ceremony a wedding supper was served, after which Mr. and Mrs. Tingley left for a wedding trip to Virginia, where they will be gone for a few weeks.  On their return they will make their home in Afton, where their many friends wish for them a long and happy married life.

Fisher - Tiffany

Married August 26, 1917, Afton, NY

Lewis W. Fisher and Miss Louise Hazel Tiffany, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], were quietly married on last Sabbath morning August 26, 1917, at nine o'clock, at the parsonage on Spring Street [Afton], by Dr. John J. Francis, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Both are well known in this community.  Mr. Fisher being a promising young farmer of North Afton and the bride the daughter of Mr. and Mr.s George E. Tiffany who are prominent residents of the East Side.  The bride looked very attractive in a becoming dress of dark blue silk and Georgette crepe.  Immediately after the ceremony the happy pair left in an automobile for the honeymoon trip, after which they will make their home in North Afton, where they will be followed by the cordial good wishes of a large circle of friends.

Tarbell - Myrick

Married July 1, 1918, Afton, NY

Married, at the Methodist parsonage Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], on July 1st, 1918, Charles E. Tarbell and Julia V. Myrick, Rev. Ira L. Bronson officiating.  After the ceremony Mr. Vern Cornell took the happy couple in his auto to the home of Mrs. M. Montgomery where the friends and neighbors had provided a fine dinner in honor of the occasion.  Mr. and Mrs. Tarbell will live on his old homestead.

Holmes - Harper

Married October 13, 1920, Binghamton, NY

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the evening of October the thirteenth, occurred the marriage of George E. Holmes of this place and Mary F. Harper of Binghamton. The ceremony was performed by Rev. D.S. Shaw, pastor of the Tabernacle Methodist Chruch of that city. The ring service was used. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brown of Binghamton. The groom is a well known and prosperous farmer of this place and the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Harper of Deposit. After December the first they will be at home to their many friends in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Marriage Notices

Mr. George Clark and Mrs. Minnie Phillips were married at Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Saturday, June 23rd, 1917.

Miss Norma Pulis and Mr. Austin Livingston, both of Vallonia Springs, were untied in marriage, June 24th [1917], at Afton [Chenango Co., NY] by Rev. J.J. Francis.

Married at the Presbyterian parsonage Sunday, June 3 [1917], by Rev. J.J. Francis, Miss Wanda Morris and Harry Albert, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  The young people will reside in Afton.

Chenango American, May 11, 1865

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., John T. Hanford, and Miss Ann Eliza Kellum, all of this fown.

By the Rev. E. Holroyd, on the 1st inst., George H. Orr, of Addison, Steuben Co., to Miss Ellen S. Eddy, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. A.J. Buell, Mr. Edwin N. Sanford, of Binghamton, to Miss S. Emily Manwarring, of Coventry.

Chenango American, May 18, 1865

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. R.L. Warriner, Edwin R. Warriner of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Mary J. Dargavel of Guilford.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Charles Warner and Miss Sarah J. Warner, all of Norwich.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, John W. Thorpe, A.B., and Miss Charlotte M. Brown, both of Oxford.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Henry Huel, of Oxford, and Miss Abby A. Cook, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].